Otter Tail County, Minnesota - Biographical sketches, 1916 (part 9 of 28)

In 1895 Albert C. Carpenter was united in marriage to Ellen Grover, daughter of Thomas J. Grover, an old settler of Freeborn county, Minnesota, having settled there in 1856. He had formerly lived in the state of Iowa, where he had moved from Wisconsin. After residing for a period of twenty-five years in Freeborn county, the family removed to Dead Lake township. Otter Tail county, Minnesota, and there he died. Ellen Grover was a native of Freeborn county. Both Albert C. and Ellen (Grover) Carpenter are members of the Baptist church and lend their active support to that denomination. Albert C. Carpenter is highly respected by his fellow citizens, and this respect is but just and fitting, for his life has been replete with unselfish service to those around him.

Arxt Monson

Arnt Monson was born at Hedmarken, Norway, July 25, 1850. His parents, Peter and Karen (Erickson) Monson, were hardworking, honest people, who were born, grew up and married in Norway, where the former was employed on the large farm of a neighbor. When the son, Arnt, was seventeen years of age the family, who had friends near Christina lake, bought their tickets from New York to this county, taking up a homestead claim of one hundred and sixty acres on the line between Douglas and Otter Tail counties. This was after a tempestuous and almost fatal voyage. The little band of emigrants was shipwrecked in the sailing vessel named "Honepar." Three weeks after they set sail, a terrific storm came up and nearly capsized the boat and for three weeks the frightened passengers drifted, finally being picked up by steamers and landed at Limerick, Ireland. It required four weeks to repair the vessel, and when it finally arrived in Quebec nineteen weeks had elapsed since it had embarked from Christiania. After the delay of another week, while their boat was quarantined, they traveled by way of the lakes and overland to St. Paul, Minnesota, and thence to this county. Here they began clearing the land and erecting the buildings necessary for pioneer life.

Mr. and Mrs. Peter Monson were devout members of the Lutheran church of Ashby. They lived industrious lives in their new home until they died, the father in 1897. ;U1(' t'le mother five years later. Their children continued to live in this country. They are Ludvig, who died a young man; Ann. the subject of this brief review; Edward, who lives east of Thief River Falls: Hedvick, who married Nils Wbbdstrom and lives nine miles from Crookston, Minnesota; Maria, who is Mrs. Arstlach Eanglee. who lives near Thief River Falls, Minnesota] Hans died on his father's farm near Ashby, Minnesota; the youngest child was a daughter, who died in infancy.

Arnt Monson received such education as was afforded by the schools his native land, this ending when he left Norway with his parents. During the first five years of his residence in this country, he worked on the railroads in Minnesota. In 1872 he came home to Otter Tail county, where he lived one year. In 1875, on January 1, he was married to Mary Thomas, a native of St. Croix county, Wisconsin, having been born near Centerville. She is the daughter of Christian and Elizaheth (Hanson) Thomas, who came to America from Norway about 1853 and settled in Wisconsin. They later took up a homestead in St. Olaf township. Otter Tail county, and here they spent the remainder of their lives.

In 1876 Mr. and Mrs. Monson took up a homestead of eightv acres in section 4, Folden township, and the following year, with their first born child, moved to their new home. That this was in the early history of the county, is indicated by the fact that they came in wagons drawn by oxen, there being no railroads in the county. Their first home was a log cabin whose roof was constructed of bark which the)' obtained in the woods. This crude home stood next to where the more modern residence now stands. Two years later Mr. Monson bought eighty additional acres. in section 3. adjoining his farm, and these he cleared and improved until 1885. in which year he built a modern home, and a barn in i8qo, these having been kept m gi 11 m1 repair.

To Mr. and Mrs. Monson were born seven children, namely: Elise, the deceased wife of Edward Olson, of Almora. who died at the age of thirty-six: Emma, who died at the age of twenty-two; Eudvik, formerly a teacher and lawyer, but now fanning in Alberta. Canada; Oscar, who attended Northwestern College in Fergus Falls, now also lives in Alberta: Erne, who stays at home: Hilda, who died at the age of nine, and Agnes, who was educated in the Henning schools and also in the Dryton schools of North Dakota.

Mr. Monson has had other interests besides farming. He is a shareholder in the Farmers Co-operative Creamery Company, at Yining, and also in the Farmers Elevator Company, in Yining and Henning. He has been township supervisor for the pasl twenty-five years and has served as school treasurer since the organization of the district, in 1885. He also was census enumerator for tin- years [890 and 1900. He generally votes the Republican ticket.

That he is public spirited also is certain, because of the time and attention he has given cheerfully to matters concerning the locality in which he and his family have lived. He has been particularly interested in educational work, and has contributed much to the local schools.

Simon Simonson

Born in Norway, Simon Simonson bad the spirit of the explorer, for in his youth he came with his parents and their family to this country and joined with them heartily in fashioning the new home environment which was to them a strange and uncertain experience. With but little to start upon, he has worked and saved and, like many other self-made men, can look back upon his early struggles with pride. As an early settler here he has by his toil and enterprise contributed to the material wealth of the county.

Mr. Simonson came from Gudbronsdalen, Norway, where he was born on October 21, 1863, the sun of Eric and Annie (Carlson) Simonson, who were pious, industrious people, ambitious for the welfare of their children. Fie was born on May 7. 1829, and she on March 3, 1838. In Norway these young people grew up and were married and while they lived in that country be was a laborer, but in order to better his economic condition, he and his little family set sail for America in [866. They first settled in Menominee, Wisconsin, and lived there for four years, in 187 1 coming to Otter Tail county in a wagon drawn by an ox-team, in company with his halfbrother, a cousin and their families. They took up a homestead consisting largely of prairie land dotted with groves, this being a tract of eightv acres in section 32, township 132. range ,^j. They started their new life in a log cabin situated a few rods west of their present home. He wa- soon able to homestead eighty acres adjoining his home on the north, this giving him possession of one hundred and sixty acres. Later he built a larger log house than the one he formerly lived in and this has been remodeled and i> rtill in use. Selling out to his son. Simon, in 1885, this successful farmer spent the rest of his life in retirement and has now reached the ripe old age of eightysix, living at the home of his son. Simon. Both he and his wife were devoul members of the Norwegian Lutheran church. She died on April 23, [915. They were the parents of four children, namely: Simon, Johanna, the widow of Ole PL Ronning, who lives in North Dakota: Mary, the widow of P. T. Olson, living in Elmo township, near Wind river and about four and one-half miles northeast of her brother. Simon: Amund resides in Plaza, North Dakota.

Owing to the limited educational resources of his boyhood, Simon Simonson had not early advantages, llis boyhood was spent on the farm and his schooling was such as was possible 011 the frontier in those earlv days. Having helped to manage the farm for a number of years, in 1885 he purchased it from his father. Thirty years ago he bought forty acres additional on the east of his land in section 33, and on the entire property became a well-known general and dairy farmer and stock raiser. He has erected modern barns and buildings and since 191 3 has put up a silo, all of which are well painted and in good repair.

Mrs. Simonson is also a native of Norway and was the daughter of Iver Lukken, her christian name being Mary. She and Mr. Simonson were married in 1886. The brothers and sisters of the subject of this sketch are Annie, who died in infancy; Emma, who was born in 1888 and died on October 23, 18(53; Rosa, who married a neighbor named Ole Hanson; Ellen, Edward, Arthur, Selmer, Mable, Marvin, Raymond and Palmer.

Aside from his farming interests, Mr. Simonson has been identified with a number of business enterprises. He is secretary of the Farmers Elevator Company at Henning, treasurer of the Almora Co-operative Farmers Creamery Company, and has served as chairman of the board of supervisors and was assessor for a term of six years. As a Republican he has been a delegate to the county conventions a number of times. Both he and his wife are members of the Elmo Lutheran church, of which he is the secretary.

Mr. Simonson belongs to the thrift}', industrious, persevering type of men for which his native country is noted. Such men have been the founders of communities upon which civilization was later built up, leaving to the generations that follow inheritances in strength of character as well as in lands and other forms of material wealth.

Among the prominent citizens of Fergus Falls, this county, is A. G. Anderson, mayor of Fergus Falls in 1912 and, at present, president of the Fergus Falls Board of Education. Mr. Anderson, who was also appointed by Governor Eberhart as a member of the state efficiency board and who is treasurer of the Otter Tail County Agricultural Society, is a man of strong individuality, who is keenly interested in the public affairs of his home city. He is known far and wide as one who never hesitates frankly to state what he feels and believes to be right or wrong. Since March 26, 1902, he has been cashier of tin- Scandia State Hank.

Born in Norway mi February 22, 1861, A. (i. Anderson is the son of Andrus and Guri (Gronstad) Anderson, the former of whom died in Xorwav. After the father's death, the mother and son, in 1870. immigrated to America and A. G. Anderson received his early education at Story City. Iowa, and completed his schooling at the Red Wing Seminary.

In 1884 Mr. Anderson located at Fergus Falls and, for about seven years was employed as a deputy in the office of the treasurer of Otter Tail county. In 1890 he was elected to the position of assistant cashier in the First National Bank, of Fergus Falls, a position which he held for seven years. In 1898 he returned to Story City, his boyhood home, where he was engaged in the mercantile business for four years. In 1902, however, Mr. Anderson returned to Fergus Falls as a cashier of the Scandia State Bank, a position which he has filled with credit for nearly fourteen years. As one of the executive officers of the bank, lie has had no small part in the growth of the prestige of this popular financial institution. He is a man of cordial frame of mind and is popular, not only with the other officers and directors of the bank, but with the depositors and the public generally.

Mr. Anderson's wife, before her marriage, was Dora Olson, a native of Iowa, and to them have been born two children, Merriam and Eleanor. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson and family have a comfortable home in Fergus Falls and enjoy the confidence and respect of a large circle of friends.

George Trautxer

George Trautner is one of the progressive agriculturists and respected citizens of Candor township. Otter Tail count}-, Minnesota, and is a native of Germany, having been born on May 3, 1859, in Byran, of that country. His parents were Peter and Annie (Pitner) Trautner, who remained in Germany until their deaths. Peter Trautner died in 1880. Both were members of the Lutheran church and the parents of the following children: John George, a farmer and saloon keeper in Germany : 1 'eter is a resident of Otter Tail county and lives with George; John is a farmer in Germany: John, deceased; George and Margaret, deceased.

George Trautner received his education in the public schools of Germany, and upon the completion of same became a tailor, which trade he followed until his emigration to America, in 1882. He located in Carver county. Minnesota, for two months and then removed to Otter Tail county, where he was employed as a farm hand until 1887, at which trine he purchased one hundred and fifty-five acres of partly improved land, in section 34, in Candor township. After clearing this and partially improving it. he sold it and in 1890 purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land on which he now resides. This was one of the Klug homesteads and was merely "proved up." George Trautner is engaged in general farming and makes a Specialty of breeding and raising Red Poland cattle.

In 1890 George Trautner was united in marriage to Barbara Sigler, also a native of Germany, and they are the parents of the following chil- (21b) dren: .Annie, wife of Joe Mistalsky, and living in Dent; Lizzie, who lives at home, and George and another child who died in infancy. Barbara (Sigler) Trautner emigrated to America in 1882, locating in Illinois for two years and then removing to Otter Tail county.

George Trautner has served the community as a member of the township board of supervisors for nine years, and donated the land on which the present school now stands. For the past two years he has served as the chairman of the township board of supervisors and has been a member of the school board for twenty years. Politically, he is an independent voter. Both he and his wife are members of the Lutheran church, in which he has served as trustee for twenty-five Years.

Thomas I. Hilden

Thomas J. Hilden, who has been prominent in the political life of Otter Tail county for many years and who was formerly a well-known teacher of the county, is a native of Hadeland, Norway, where he was born on October 21), 1856.

Mr. Hilden is the son of Johannes and Kari Hilden, who never came to America. Johannes Hilden was a fanner and merchant. Both he and his wife died when their son, Thomas J., was an infant. They were the parents of seven children: Peter, who came to America in i860, served in the Civil War and died on December 25. 1913, at Montevideo, Minnesota; Louis I.., who is a farmer in Wisconsin; Andrew J., who spent his early life in Goodhue county, Minnesota, but now lives in Burdette, Minnesota, where he is a merchant; Martha, who married Andrew Larson, and died in Clitherall township; Anna, who is the widow of Ole O. Hoff, lives in Tordenskjold township; Kari, who died in Norway when a child, and Thomas J., the subject of this sketch.

Educated in the public schools of his native land, Thomas J. Hilden had passed through the middle school at the age of fourteen, when he came tn America. After arriving in this country, Mr. Hilden settled in Goodhue county, Minnesota, where he worked on a farm in the summer, attending -clu ml in the winter until 1877. when be moved to Red Wing and there attended high school.

Subsequently, Mr. Hilden started nut alone for Otter Tail county to visit his sister. En route to this county be met the county superintendent .if schools, ( i. P. Cowing, with whom he rode to Fergus Falls. Mr. ('owing asked him to teach school and. after having been appointed as a teacher at Yining, he began teaching at that place and for the next ten years was engaged in educational work. At the time Mr. Hilden began his educational career, he had been in America only six years. In 1882 Mr. Hilden purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in Tordenskjold township, paying nine hundred dollars cash on a purchase of land which amounted to thirteen hundred dollars. Of this farm only twenty-five acres were cleared and the only other improvement was a small log house. Air. Hilden purchased a yoke of oxen and began to clear the land, teaching school in the winter and farming in the summer. Subsequently, he replaced the log buildings with frame ones and has lived on this farm ever since, engaged in general farming and stock raising.

On September 16, 1883, Thomas J. Hilden was married to Maria C. Hoff, a native of Norway and the daughter of Christian C. Hoff, deceased, and Martha C. Hoff, who is still living. Mrs. Hilden came to America with her parents when only three years old. To them have been born nine children: Afton, who is a grain dealer and farmer at Starkweather, North Dakota; Nellie, who married John O. Hesby, lives at Halstead, Minnesota; Clifford, who is a farmer in North Dakota; Mabel, who married W. L. Brown, and lives in North Dakota on a farm; Thomas, who is a graduate of an agricultural college and lives at home with his parents; Marcus, who is a clerk at Deep, North Dakota ; George, Laura and Alton, who live at home with their parents.

Thomas J. Hilden is a prominent Republican of Otter Tail count}-. He was defeated as the Republican candidate for the Legislature in 1892, but has since served in more important local offices and has been very active in politics all of his life. Both Mr. and Mrs. Hilden are members of the Lutheran Synod church. Mr. Hilden was prominent in raising the funds for the erection of a new church. He is a successful farmer, a well-known and highly-esteemed citizen and altogether an ideal man.

Nils H. Nelson

As an extensive farmer and stock raiser and a man who has large interests in business circles in Otter Tail county, as well as a citizen who has served in various public offices and has taken an active part in the affairs of the community, Xils 11. Nelson has a prominent place in the record of valued citizens of this community.

Xils H. Nelson was born in Norway, at Gansdahts, Prestegjeld, Gudbrandsdelm, near the town of Lillehammer, May 10. [853, the son of Hans and Randi (Gunderson ) Nelson, both of whom were natives of Norway, the father horn on April 17, 181 7. and the mother on December 8. 1810. Hans and Randi Nelson, following their marriage, bought a farm in Norway, where they engaged as farmers until the year 1869, when they came, with their children, to America, and settled in Otter Tail county, Minnesota, where they bought the improvements of a land squatter, in sections 17, 19 and 20, of Tordenskjold township, and lived there until the opening of United States government land to homesteaders and then they took up one hundred and sixty acres of land in Tordenskjold township, a place on which they built a log cabin for a home, together with other necessary- improvements. On this farm Hans and Randi Nelson lived for the remainder of their lives. Hans Nelson dying in the year 1902, at the age of eighty-five years, and his wife, Randi, dying in the year 1880. Hans Nelson and his wife were among the most highly respected of the community and they took an active part in the founding of the Free Lutheran church of Minnesota. In politics, Hans Nelson was a Republican. To Hans and Randi Nelson were born two children. Nils H., of this sketch, and Randine, who died at the age of forty, unmarried.

Nils H. Nelson was educated in the public schools of Norway, where he attended classes until, with his parents, he came to America and then for a time studied in the schools of Otter Tail county, Minnesota. After his schools davs. Nils H. Nelson helped his father on the farm for some years and later became the owner of the home place, land to which he added sixty acres adjoining, on the west and the north.

Nils H. Nelson has taken an important part in the public life of Tordenskjold township and Otter Tail county, Minnesota, where for more than thirty-two years he has held the office of township clerk. Air. Nelson has served as treasurer of the school district in which he is located and for some time he served his county as deputy county treasurer. In church circles. Nils H. Nelson is affiliated with the Lutheran church, an organization for which he served as treasurer. In business life, Air. Nelson is no less conspicuous, for he is a stockholder in the Otter Tail Co-operative Store, in the Farmers Elevator Company, in the Creamery Company and in the Telephone Company, of Otter Tail county.

On December 28, 1878, Nils H. Nelson and Maren Ilansina Rasmussen were married; she being a native of Denmark, the daughter of Jorgen and Christine Rasmussen, who came to America about the year 1866, and lived for a time at Cleveland, Ohio, and then, in the year 1871, they moved to Otter Tail county, Minnesota, and settled in section 20, of Tordenskjold township, where they took up a homestead of one hundred and sixty acres of land, and where Jorgen and Christine Rasmussen lived until May 23, 1914, when Jorgen Rasmussen died, at the age of ninety-two years, his wife, Christine Rasmussen, having preceded him in death about four years, she dying on August [3, [910, at the aye of eighty-two years.

To Nils II. and Maren Nelson were born the following children: Ilarald, who for some time attended the state agricultural college at Minneapolis, and who now lives at home: Ragna, a dressmaker of Fargo, North

Dakota; Lucy Cecelia, who lives at home; Clara, who married Edwin Wagstrom, and lives in Maplewood township, on a farm ; Agnes, who lives at Fargo, North Dakota; Pauline, who is a teacher in the public schools of Otter Tail county; and Helen, who lives at home.

In politics and in private life, Nils H. Nelson fills an important place in the community and is among those men who have the respect of the entire county and district Well and favorably known, he is one of those citizens of whom the township and county may rightfully be proud.

Hendrick Arnold Hanson

Prominent in the political life of Tordenskjold township and a successful farmer of Otter Tail county for many years, Hendrick Arnold Hanson was born on his father's homestead farm in Tordenskjold township on June 10, 1873.

Mr. Hanson is a son of Nils and Anne (Monsen) Loken, both of whom were born in Norway, and who were married in that country. They came to America in 1868, and for two years lived near Red Wing, Minnesota. About 1870 they emigrated to Otter Tail county, being accompanied to this county by Mr. Hanson's maternal grandmother, Ingebor Monsen. The latter took up a homestead claim of forty acres in Clitherall township, and on this tract the whole family lived for two years, after which Mr. Hanson's father homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres of land in Tordenskjold township, which he gradually improved from time to time. Here the family lived until 1908, when the farm was sold to E. J. Hanson, the youngest son. At this time the father retired from active farm life and removed to a home near that of his son, Hendrick Arnold. Both Mr. Hanson's father and mother are living at this time, his father no*v being seventy-eight years, and the mother is seventy-nine. At one time Mr. Hanson's father was identified with the Populist party, but is now an independent voter. Both he and his good wife are devout members of the Lutheran church, and he was one of the founders of the Trefoldighed church in Clitherall township. They were the parents of seven children, of whom Hendrick Arnold was the fourth in order of birth. The others, in the order of their birth, are as follow: Hans Jacob, a farmer living at Landa, North Dakota; Inga, the wife of Hans Olsen, a farmer of Landa, North Dakota; Dena, the wife of Herman Lillestrand, of Landa, North Dakota; Mollie, the wife of J. B. Highdale, a farmer of Tordenskjold township; Edwin Julius, living on his father's farm, and Sarah, the wife of Jule Morstad, lives at Wall Lake, Minnesota, where her husband is a merchant.

engaged in farming for himself. In 1897 Air! Hanson purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in Tordenskjold township from Jacob Frederickson for the sum of one thousand six hundred dollars. Since that time Mr. Hanson has erected a handsome new house and barn, and has cleared forty acres of the land himself. He is a general farmer and stockman.

In 1895 Hendrick A. Hanson was married to Emma Nelson, who died in 1904, leaving five children, Xora, Alfred, Herbert and Hilma and Xorris, twins. After the death of his first wife, Air. Hanson was married, in 1907, to Fina Haldorson, and to this union have been born seven children, Alida, Emma, Niola, Francis, Eddie, Ruby and Marwin. .Mrs. Hanson was born on July 2i, 1875. and is a daughter of Andreas and Agnetta Haldorson, who are still living at Finmark, Norway. Mrs. Hanson's father is sixtyseven, and her mother is sixty-five years of age. Mrs. Hanson came to America in 1 901, and settled in Tordenskjold township.

Mr. Hanson is a Democrat in politics, and has served his fellow citizens as township treasurer for the past fifteen years. He also served eleven years as school treasurer, and has always taken an active interest in all movements which have for their object the betterment and welfare of his community. He and his wife and family are earnest and devout members of the Lutheran church.

Martin S. Moklev

Martin S. Moklev, a prosperous farmer of Clitherall township, and a well-known sportsman of Otter Tail county, is a United States citizen born in Sulledal, Stavanger, Norway, on June 17, 1870.

Mr. Moklev is the son of Somjo Thorstenson Moklev and Kari Thorstensdatter Helgenes. Ili^- paternal grandparents were Thorsten Somjoson Moklev and Mallena Levarsdatter Forland, who were born at Sulledal. Stavanger, Norway, and, who, after their marriage, spent their entire lives in their native land. They were farmers by occupation and had two children. Somjo Thorsenson Moklev. the father of Martin S., and Anna, who married Gabriel Falkelie, and died in Norway. She left one son, Olai G. Twedt, who lives in Dunn county, North Dakota. Another son, Jacob, died in Norway.

\lr Moklev's maternal grandparents were Thornsten kali and Mallena Knutsdatter Halgenes, who came to America in 1867 and settled in Illinois, where they lived onl) one year. With their sons, ["horsten and Knut, and their daughters. Martha and Mallena. they moved to Otter Tail county in [868 and -0011 afterward settled on what is now the Hans Olson place in Tordenskjold township. After living on this farm for three years, they teaded the farm now owned by Christian k. Moe. There they lived for some years, or until 1881, when they moved to the place now occupied by their son, Tosten, which was purchased. There Thorsten Lali died at an advanced age, about 1886. He was the father of six children, Kari, Brita, Martha, Maline, Thorsten and Knut.

.Martin S. Moklev's father was born on September 10, 1835, and ms mother on August 4. 1843. They grew up in their native land and were married in the spring of 1867. Mr. Moklev's mother remained in Norway with her husband, while her parents and her brothers and sisters came to America. Mr. Moklev's father was connected with the fishing industry for twenty winters and, in the summertime, was employed in the woolen mill, operated by his father, and in farming. In 1880 he and his wife and two children came to America, joining his wife's relatives in Tordenskjold township. In June, 1880, he homesteaded one hundred and twenty acres of land in Clitherall township and the family moved to this farm on July 2, 1880. It was timber land principally, but some of it was ready for cultivation. Here the family built a log cabin with bark and dirt for a roof. They immediately began to clear the land, and, in a few years had a most productive farm, which is now occupied by their son, Martin S. Mr. Moklev's father died in July, 1910, at the age of seventy-five years. His mother, who is seventy-two years old, resides with her son on the old home farm. She is a member of the Free Lutheran church, as was also her husband. They were the parents of three children, Thorsten S., a farmer of Clitherall township; Martin, and Dena Karina. who married John Nelson and lives in Tordenskjold township.

Martin S. Moklev was educated in the public schools of Norway and, when old enough, engaged in farming. When he was nine years old, he was brought to America by his parents and grew up in this country. When he was eleven years old, he was employed in carrying water for a railroad crew. When he was old enough, he took over the management of the home farm and, in partnership with his brother, rented the farm for a number of years. In 1896 he bought the old homestead farm of one hundred and twenty acres and has been its sole owner ever since. Besides this farm, in partnership with his brother, he bought one hundred and sixty acres south of the homestead and now owns eighty acres of that farm. Altogether, lie has two hundred acres. Mr. Moklev's parents lived with him all the time. \\\> father dying several years ago. In 1902 Mr. Moklev built a house and in [913 added a barn. He is extensively interested in the dairy business and keeps fourteen or fifteen cows, and is interested also in poultry and fruit growing. He is a stockholder in the farmers creamery, farmer-; elevator and farmers telephone companies of this township.

Sulledal, Norway, who was born at Havreval, and who is the daughter of Halvor Halvorson Tvedt and F.llerie Lifeson Aarhus. They still live in Norway, where they are farmers and landowners. Mrs. Moklev came to America in 1904 and lived in Fergus Falls until her marriage. She was born on August 15, 1880. Mr. and Mrs. Moklev have two children, Mallena Karina Eldren, born on December 22, 1912, and Sigurd Henry, August 9, 1914.

Martin S. Moklev is a thorough-going sportsman, who is interested in fishing and hunting and who spends a great deal of his time along the streams of this state Mr. and Mrs. Moklev are members of the Free Lutheran church. Politically, Mr. Moklev is an independent voter.

Otto T. Oak

One of the well-known fanners of Folden township and of Otter Tail county, a man who has lived a profitable and helpful life and one who. as a citizen, has not been neglectful of his duty to the community, is Otto J. Oak. A native of Norway, who, on reaching America, applied himself industriously to an effort for success, he has proved of value to the community, and is one of those men who have a place in a record of successful and appreciated citizen.

Otto J. Oak was born at Drammen, Norway, on March 7. 1867, the son of John and Randi ( Nelson ) Oak, both of whom were born and married in their native land, where John Oak was a farmer. In 1886 John Oak, his wife having died, came with his children to America, and settled at St. Croix county, Wisconsin. Though at that time an elderly man, he bought a farm and established a home on which he lived, with his second wife, Anetta (Nelson) Oak, until his death, about the year 1906. To the first marriage of John Oak were born the following children : Christian, who died at the age of twenty-one years, in Norway; Bertha, who married Hans Nicolai Larson, and who died at Drammen. Norway, her three children later coming to America; (aniline, who married Anders Larson, and live in Norway; Olava, who lives at Christiana, Norway; George, who is a farmer of Canada; Gina. who married Edward Richardson, and lives in Canada, and Otto, the subject of this sketch. John Oak and his second wife. Anetta ( Nelson) Oak, were the parents of one daughter, Annie, who married William Albertson, and lives in the state of Wisconsin.

Otto J. Oak. following his education in the public schools of Norway, at the aye of sixteen years," came to America with his brother. George, about three years before the arrival of the elder Oak and his children, and

In 1893 Otto J- Oak t0°k UP a homestead in Wilkin county, Minnesota, a place on which he lived for six years, and then sold his land and bought one hundred and sixty acres of land in section 8, of Folden township, a farm which he cleared and improved until it is now highly cultivated and well improved and where he is engaged in general farming.

In 1895 Otto J. Oak was married to Mary Lyngstad, who was born in Norway, and came to this country at an early age. To this union were born eleven children, Edward, Ragna Nathalie, Julia Petrine, Myrtle Olava, Edna Ruth, Lillian Mabel, Cora Adela, Clifford Herman and Oscar Norman, twins ; Laura Marie and Norah Pauline.

In public life, Mr. Oak has served his community as school director for two terms and has, as a private citizen, in the ranks of the Republican party, done many things which have aided the progress and advancement of political and social conditions of the locality. Mr. Oak and his wife are devout members of the Lutheran church at the town of Folden.

Edwtx C. Maneval

Edwin C. Maneval is one of those men who take great pride in the progress of the community in which they live, and who become active in all questions pertaining to the welfare of their fellow citizens. He was born on July 19, 1874, and is the son of John and Catherine (Bergner) Maneval. John Maneval was born in Pennsylvania, but is of German descent and when a young man came to Otter Tail county, Minnesota, where he met and married Catherine Bergner. She is a native of Switzerland and emigrated to America when a girl of ten or twelve years. Her parents were among the early settlers of Minnesota, in which state she grew to maturity.

After the marriage of John Maneval and Catherine Bergner, they located in Carver county, Minnesota, and purchased a farm and this place became their home until 1877. The farm was then sold and the family removed to Otter Tail county, where eighty acres of homestead land was purchased, in section 10, Candor township, which place became their home until the death of John Maneval, in [897. The first house was of logs and was located on the banks of the creek and south of the road. Some years later, forty-nine acres of adjoining land was purchased and. later still, another piece of land, consisting of forty acres, was added. In [885 .1 more modern home was erected in place of the former one of logs. The names of their children follow: Carrie is the widow of Peter Damschen, who lived in North Dakota; Alice is the wife of Jacob Damschen, and their home is in Pelican Rapids, Minnesota: Edwin C; Horace S.. who lives

Edwin C. Maneval received his education in the schools of district 121, and was reared on the old home place. As he reached maturity, he assisted in the management of the farm and in 1900 he purchased forty acres of land, which was operated independently. This farm was located just west of his father's place and became his place of residence until 10.14, at which time he rented the homestead and now operates both. In 1809 Edwin C Maneval was united in marriage to Alice R. Blossom, and they are the parents of three children, Gladys [da, Horace Fay and Fernando John. Alice R. (Blossom) Maneval is the daughter of Fernando and Ida Blossom, who are pioneers of Candor township.

Edwin C. Maneval was one of the organizers of the Farmers Co-operative Creamery, of Yergas, Minnesota, and has been a director since its organization. He is also a stockholder of the Farmers Telephone Company and is serving as vice-president of same. Politically, he votes the Socialist ticket. He served as a member of the township board of supervisors from 1900 until 1915. He has also served on the school board about the same length of time. Fraternally, he is a member of the Order of American Yeomen.

C. E. Olson

C. E. Olson, a prosperous farmer and business man and a popular citizen of Tordenskjold township, was born on the farm where he now lives and which he now owns. August 27, 1874, and is the son of Esten Olson Norgaard and Ingeborg (Olson) Olson, the oldest living settlers in Tordenskjold township.

The paternal grandparents of Mr. Olson were Ole Narjord and Sigrid 1 Estensdatter) Narjord, the former of whom was a laborer and the latter a daughter of a soldier in the War of 1814. The}- were the parents of six children, all of whom remained in Norway except Mr. Olson's father and his father's sister. Airs. Johanna Peterson, who now resides at Waterloo Ridge, luw.'i. Mr. Olson's maternal grandparents. Ole Rosthakken and Kirsti (Sandmor) Rostbakken, never came to America. They died in their native land.

Mr. Olson's parents wire born at Roraas, Norway, the father on Jannary J4, [827, and the mother on October 6, 183 1. They grew up near Roraas and were married in their native land. In 1869, with three children. the} came to America, settling at Waterloo Ridge. Winneshiek county, near Spring Grove, Iowa, and, until 1870. worked on a farm. In 1870 the familv emigrated to Minnesota and were able to travel by rail over to St.

Cloud. From St. Cloud the trip was made to Otter Tail county with an ox team. In the same year Esten Olson Norgaard homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres of land in Tordenskjold township, which at that time was not only a wilderness, but a very tangled wilderness. Shortly afterward he built a dugout and there spent the first summer. Later, however, he built a log house where the present modern buildings stand. The family has lived on this farm ever since. The father has prospered and has added to his land until he now owns three hundred and twenty acres. Both he and his wife are still hale and hearty at very advanced ages. They are devout members of the Lutheran church and were associated with other citizens of the township in founding the church. Air. Olson's father is a devoted Republican. Mr. Olson is the youngest of five children, the others being: Oliver, who is a former probate judge and also probate clerk of Otter Tail county, is engaged in the insurance business at Fergus Falls; Christine, who married J. X. Langsjoen, lives at Norman, Washington; the third child died in infancy, and O. F., who is a farmer at Berg, North Dakota.

C. E. Olson was educated in the public schools of Otter Tail county, in the Fergus Falls high school and in the Park Region Lutheran College at Fergus Falls. He graduated from the commercial department of the college in 1894, and, during the next five or six years, taught school in Otter Tail count}-. After his marriage, Mr. Olson returned to the old homestead, where he has lived ever since. In 191 1 he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land, a part of the old homestead, and now operates not only his own land, but the land owned by his father. He is engaged in diversified farming.

Mr. Olson is president of the Underwood creamery and was one of the organizers of this association. He is also secretary of the Park Region Telephone Company and treasurer of the Underwood Grain Association, which was organized several years ago, .but which has recently taken on added importance owing to the erection of a new elevator in 1913 and 1914. The elevator has a capacity of thirty thousand bushels of grain and is owned by forty-four shareholders. It does an annual business of one hundred and twenty thousand dollars.

On March 18, 1800, Mr. Olson was married to Hannah Holbeck, the daughter of P. N. Holbeck. whose family history is contained elsewhere in this volume. Mr. and Mrs. Olson have two children, Alvin E., born on May 5, 1000, and Herman P., born on March 23, 1902.

C. E. Olson is identified with the Republican party. Fraternally, he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of America. Mr. and Mr-. Olson are members of the Lutheran church and they not only attend services regularly, bul contribute liberally 10 the support of the church in this township.

Ole H. Nodsle

Recognized as an authority on affairs pertaining to general farming and stock raising, Ole Nodsle occupies an enviable position in the industrial life of Otter Tail county, Minnesota, where he has been a resident for over thirty years. He is a native of Hedemarken, Norway, having been born there on April 13, 1859. His father, Hans Nodsle, was born in the same country, on the 12th of September, 1826, and his mother, Bertha (Dyreson) Nodsle, on the 29th of March, 1827. His parents were married in their native land and in 1880 came to America, where Ole Nodsle had already established his residence. Upon arriving in this country Hans Nodsle took a claim of one hundred and sixty acres of land in Maplewood township, located in section 24, where he and his son, Ole, worked at the occupation of clearing the land and building cabins of logs. In 1889 Hans Nodsle sold his farm to the son- who had assisted him, but continued to occupy the residence until his death, on September 2, 1914. His wife, who passed away on August 30. 1910, was survived by the following children: Dena, the wife of Andrew Elton, who is a resident of Kidder county, North Dakota; Ole, who is the subject of this sketch; Julia, Mrs. Thomas Nelson, a resident of Kidder county, North Dakota; Annie, Mrs. Alfred Olson, who resides in Clay county, Minnesota, and John, who is a farmer and a resident of Clay county.

Ole Nodsle received his education in the public schools of Norway, and at the age of twenty sailed for America. He was unaccompanied by friends or relatives, and after his arrival in this country went directly to Otter Tail county, Minnesota, where he was employed on the farms near Rothsay for over three years. He assisted his father during the first few years of the latter's stay in this country. Since purchasing the old home place, in 1889, Ole Nodsle has continued to add to his possessions until now he has a farm of two hundred and forty acres, forty acres of which are in an excellent state of cultivation. In 1900 he erected a modern dwelling on the farm, which he uses as his present residence. He has also made a number of valuable improvements on the stock buildings of the farm.

On June 11, 1886, the marriage of Ole Nodsle to Lena Vasaason, the daughter of Christian and Dorothy Vasaason, natives of Norway, took place. Mrs. Nodsle is also a native of Hedemarken. Norway. She and her husband have reared an interesting family, in which the following children are numbered: Harry, who is employed in North Dakota, but who owns a homestead in Beltrami county; Christian, who resides on a homestead in Beltrami county; Betsey, the wife of Hjalmar Stenseth. who lives in North Dakota; David, John, Oscar, Clara, Lewis, Martin, Alfred and Bennie, who reside on the home place.

Mr. Nodsle is a man who has always entered heartily into the affairs of the community in which he lives. He was instrumental in organizing the Erbard Farmers Creamery, and for some years acted as director of the same concern. He helped to organize the Maplewood Telephone Company, of which he is now president. In politics, Mr. Nodsle is an independent voter and has served as road supervisor for the last twenty years. For twelve years he has been director of the school district. His church membership is given to the Lutheran church.

Charles M. Dolsen

Born in Schuyler county. Illinois, January 21, 1850, Charles M. Dolsen. a well-to-do farmer of Inman township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, is a son of Charles M., Sr., and Mary E. Dolsen, who were early settlers of the state of Illinois. Mr. Dolsen's father was a merchant, who died in 1852, while his mother died in 1862. Charles M. Dolsen, Sr., and wife were the parents of seven children, Albert, John, Mary, Catharine, Margaret, Celia and Charles M., Jr.

Charles M. Dolsen was ten years of age when he went to Minneapolis, Minnesota, to make his home with Mr. and Mrs. William Moffet, the former of whom was his brother-in-law, having married Mr. Dolsen's sister. Alary. Charles M. Dolsen received his education in the public schools of Minneapolis, and when old enough learned the cooper's trade in that city. He lived in Minneapolis until 1880, when he removed to Otter Tail county and purchased eighty acres of land in Elmo township. He sold this farm and in 1893 moved to Inman township, where he purchased one hundred and twenty acres, in section 22. A little later he sold this second farm and purchased eighty acres of land in the same section and township, and here he is living today. He ha.s built a new and modern residence on this farm, and has otherwise improved it in many ways.

In 1879 Mr. Dolsen was married in Minneapolis to .Mary E. McLeod, who was born in Clearwater, Minnesota, but who lived in Minneapolis. .Mr-. Dolsen's parents were John and Mary I Perkins) McLeod. the former of whom was born in Xew Brunswick. Maine, in 1814, and the latter of whom was born at Topsham, Maine, about [824. They emigrated to Minneapolis in the fifties, and from that city removed to Clearwater, Minnesota, where they conducted a hotel. Later they returned to Minneapolis, and were the proprietors of the Tremont house. From the latter city they returned again to Clearwater, where they were engaged in the hotel business for a short time until 1868. when they removed to Alexandria, Minnesota. After living in Alexandria for three years they moved to Garden City, and here kept a hotel for one vear, after which they lived on a farm. The family later returned to Alexandria, where they conducted a boarding house. After living in Alexandria for about a year, they went to Melrose, and kept a hotel there for a year, when the returned to Minneapolis and kept a boarding house. In 1879 the family emigrated to Helena. Montana, and here Mrs. Dolsen's father died in 1884, while her mother died in California in 1910. John and Mary McLeod were the parents of ten children, four of whom are now living, as follow: Mrs. Celeste Heaton. of Rice, Minnesota; Mrs. Charles M. Dolsen, wife of the subject of this sketch; Mrs. Lucy Bucke, of Pasadena, California, and Mrs. Jessie Thompson, of San Jose, California.

Mr. and Mrs. Charles M. Dolsen are the parents of five children, as follow ; Charles Edwin, James Mortimer, deceased ; Mary Ethel, William Oscar and Ray Addis. Mary Ethel is the widow of Lewis Wait, who died in 1912, leaving four children, Amherst Douglas, Asenath Coral, Lloyd Leroy and Louis Agnes Alma.

Mr. and Mrs. Dolsen and family are prominent in the life of the community where they live, and they have a host of friends in Inman township, where thev have made their home for so manv vears.

Charles Paulson

Charles Paulson, who has succeeded in a large measure as a farmer of Nidaros township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, and who is a native of Norway, was born there on February 4, 1858. Mr. Paulson is a son of Frederick and Mina Paulson, both of whom were born in Norway, and spent their entire lives in that country. They were the parents of seven children, two of whom died earlv in life, while two others. Bertha and Frederick, are deceased. The living children are Charles, Anna and Clara.

The eldest child of his parents' family. Charles Paulson was educated in the public schools of Norway. When Mr. Paulson was twenty-three year^ old, in r88i, be came to America, and for some time worked at various occupations in Otter Tail county. He worked one summer in Canada. In 1804 Mr. Paulson purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land in section 29, of Nidaros township, and shortly thereafter erected buildings on the farm. He is a general farmer and stockman, and has been very successful in all the aspects of farming in this county.

In 1888, seven years after coming to America. Mr. Paulson was married to Anges Olson, who was born in Norway, December 12, 1807. and who is a daughter of Svend and Matilda Olson, the former of whom died in Norway, and the latter came after her husband's death in 1873, to Goodhue county, Minnesota. Mrs. Paulson's mother died in Minneapolis. Minnesota, in 1889. Mrs. Paulson was the only child born to her mother's first mar-

Mr. and Mrs. Charles Paulson are the parents of seven children, all of whom are living, as follow: Anna, Minnie, Frederick, Clara, Mabel, Myrtle and Thorfin. The Paulson family is highly respected and esteemed in Nidaros township, where all the members of the family are well known.

Mr. Paulson is known not only as a successful farmer, but he has been more or less prominent in politics, having served as treasurer of the school board for more than ten years.

Colben M. Sorkness

Born in Norway on January 6, 1864, Colben M. Sorkness, a well-to-do farmer of Pfenning township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, is the son of Martin Christiansen and Oleana (Halversen) Christiansen, who were natives of Norway and who were married in that country prior to the time they emigrated to America. They came to this country in 1871 and settled in Otter Tail count)', taking up a homestead farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Eagle Lake township. The father of Mr. Sorkness died in Eagle Lake township in 1S96 and his wife nine years later, in January, 1905. Of their ten children, two, Gunda and Martha, are deceased. The living children are : Flalver M., Knut, Colben M., Peter, Mary, Otto, George and Minnie.

Colben M. Sorkness was reared on the old homestead farm in Eagle Lake township and educated in the public schools of the township. When he was old enough he took up farming on the old home farm, but, subsequently, purchased eighty acres in section 33, of Pfenning township, in 1822. Mr. Sorkness has added to this farm until he now owns three hundred and twenty acres situated in sections 28, 29, 32 and 33. Mr. Sorkness has a natural grove on his home farm and has cleared practically all of the land, one hundred and sixty acres. He built a magnificent barn, thirty-four by seventy-two feet, in [914, and also has a good house. He has a silo twelve by twenty-six feet, which is extensively used in his cattle business. Mr. Sorkness has made a specialty of breeding and raising Holstein cattle. He is a stockholder in the creamery at llenning and the farmers elevator, also at Henning.

In 1900 Colben M. Sorkness was married to Lena Olson, and to them was born one son, Otto, now deceased. Mrs. Lena Sorkness died on March 1, 1903, and on August 27, 1Q04. Mr. Sorkness was married to Hannah Trangsrud. who was born in Norway on May 7. 1877. but. who at the time of her marriage was Mrs. E. P.. Anderson, of North Dakota. By tbis second marriage there have been born five children, of whom one. Harris, is deceased. The living children are: Hilda, Chester, Lilian and Agnes. By her first marriage, Mrs. Sorkness was the mother of two children, Selmer B. and Beatrice.

Mrs. Sorkness is the daughter of Arne H. and Bolette Trangsrud, both of whom were natives of Norway. Mrs. Sorkness's father was born in 1849 and her mother in 1852. They were married in Norway and, upon their arrival in America, settled in Cass county, North Dakota, in 1882. After living in that count}- for one year, they moved to Sargent county, North Dakota, and purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres. Mrs. Sorkness's father now owns six hundred and forty acres of land.

To Mr. and Mrs. Arne H. Trangsrud were born ten children, five of whom, Hannah, Bernhard, Agnes, Emelia and Amelia, twins, were born in Norway, and five in North Dakota, Bernhard, Agnes, Alfred, Henry and John. Of these children, Bernhard, Agnes, Emelia. Amelia and Henry are deceased.

Mr. and Mrs. Colben M. Sorkness are members of the Free Lutheran church. Mr. Sorkness is a very successful farmer and, having begun to buy land when he was eighteen years old, has made a most praiseworthy success. He is not only one of the leading farmers of Henning township, but one of the leading citizens of Otter Tail county.

Hox. Alvinza Baxter Cole. M. D.

Anion- those who stand as distinguished types of the world's workers is Dr. Alvinza Baxter Cole, a well-known physician and surgeon of Fergus Falls, who is now serving his fourth term as the mayor of the city. He is the Nestor of the Otter Tail county Medical profession, a man of fine intellectual and professional attainments ami of most gracious personality and is clearly entitled to rank, not only as the best-known physician of Otter Tail county, but as one of its most enterprising citizens.

Doctor Cole is a native of Canton, St. Lawrence county. New York. where be was born on December 30, 1848, -on of ( >ltas C. and Alvira (Johnson) Cole, the former of whom was a farmer by occupation.

It was upon the farm that Doctor Cole was born and reared. He received bis education at the Canton Academy and. soon after completing the course in that institution, entered the office of Dr. Sanford Hoag. In [879 be was graduated from the New York Homeopathic College and in the same year purchased Dr. Hoag's entire practice and continued on bis own account in the practice of medicine there until l88l, when he came to Minnesota and settled at Fergus Falls, where for nearly thirty-live years he has been engaged in the active practice of medicine. Doctor Cole is deeply interested in all phases of public questions and has taken a most prominent part in the political life of Otter Tail county. From 1894 to 1898 he served as a member of the Minnesota Senate and four years later was re-elected to a second term of four years. During the Spanish-American War, Doctor Cole was surgeon of the Fourteenth Minnesota Regiment, with the rank of major. Doctor Cole is a member of the Park Region Medical Society and a member of the Masonic fraternity. He joined the Masonic lodge at Ftermon, New York, and upon locating at Fergus Falls demitted to Corner Stone Lodge No. 99. Doctor Cole also is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.

Many years ago Doctor Cole was married to Effie E. Westcott, who was born at Hermon, New York, daughter of John and Frances (Hemenway) Westcott. Doctor and Mrs. Cole have adopted three sons and one daughter. Of these children, Carl V. Cole is now a physician in Lake City, Minnesota, lie married Ann Seeley and they have two children. Claud L. Cole is a practicing dentist at Alexandria, Minnesota. He married Tena Raiter, and they have one daughter. Herbert E. Cole is a physician and surgeon of Mobile, Alabama. He married Jesse Wells, of Canton, New York. They have no children. Ester Monson married Dr. Theodore N. Kittelson, of Fergus Falls. She died in 1913.

In the history of Otter Tail county Dr. A. B. Cole is entitled to a high rank. He has won distinction in the medical profession and in political life because he has devoted himself unselfishly to the best interests of his fellow men.

Zeba Wright

Zeba Wright, for the past twenty-five or thirty years township clerk, is the type of man who reminds us that agriculture, no less than other industries, is demanding better farmers today, in order to keep step with the onward march of civilization. Mr. Wright has always kept abreast with the times and is in the vanguard of the farming industry as pursued in this county. Mr. Wright, a native of Rock county, Wisconsin, was born in the township of Johnstown on September 23, 1840, and is the son of Wesley and Thankful (Campbell) Wright.

The Wright family was an old and honored one and it was for them that the village of Wrightstown was named. Many of its early settlers were connected with it and several uncles of Zeba Wright built their homes on what was then wild land, near enough together to form a settlement later. Wesley Wright was born in Greene county. New York state, and his wife was born near Niagara Falls. Both were single when they went to Wisconsin and met and were married in 1848, settling in the township of (22b)

[ohnstown, where he began to cultivate the small farm which he owned. In 1S76 he and his wife and their only child traveled to Wadena, Minnesota, where they packed their household goods in wagons and started for this township, where they took up a soldier's homestead of one hundred and sixty acres in section 12. This was possible because of his services in Company F, Thirteenth Regiment, Wisconsin Infantry. He was in active service for a while, but illness kept him much of the time in the hospital. On their frontier wilderness, these stout-hearted people established their new home in a log cabin, which Mr. Wright built on the east side of his quarter section. The land was heavily covered with timber, but a stout heart and a resolute will accomplished what seemed at first almost impossible. This was the family home for many years, and by good methods became a valuable source of livelihood for Mr. and Mrs. Wright and their family. The former lived to the ripe old age of eighty-one, dying on the farm on section 12, and his good wife died in North Dakota in 1910. Mr. Wright was an active politician, allying himself with the Democratic party. He and his wife belonged to the Free-Will Baptist church. Their children were Zeba and Miranda; the latter married Jefferson Wheeler and died while still a young woman, living in Wisconsin.

Zeba Wright was a youth when the war broke out, and too young to enlist. Having gone to the nearest country school, he varied his schooling with farm work and at the age of twenty-six moved to Minnesota with his young wife, to whom he was married on April 16, 1876. Mrs. Wright was. before her marriage. Annette Ely, a native of New York state, but at that time a resident of Wisconsin. After living with his father for four years. Mr. Wright bought eighty acres of the homestead of the southern section and converted a wild frontier into productive fields. He later built a modern frame house, whose attractiveness is enhanced by an avenue of spruce and balsams leading to it from the road. Mr. Wright soon was recognized as a successful general farmer and stock raiser. Years of toil and frugality have enabled him to live in comparative ease and retirement for more than three years past, during which time he has rented his farm to tenants.

To Mr. and Mrs. Wright were born three children, Charles, who i> now engaged in small fruit raising, was formerly a jeweler. He now lives in Deer Wood. Minnesota, and is the father of two daughters. Archie the second son, was killed in an accident when a young man: Ray passed away about 1912, leaving two daughters.

Mr. Wright, who is a Prohibitionist in his political tendencies, has been for nearly thirty years township clerk and has also served many terms as school director and also as town treasurer. Both he and his wife are members of the United Brethren church, in which Mrs. Wright takes an active part. The long tenure of office with which Mr. Wright has been honored, speaks volumes regarding his trustworthiness as a public official. Public duty is to him a sacred obligation, and in repayment for the confidence of his fellowmen, Air. Wright has rendered efficient and honorable service.

Tacob Erkktla

Jacob Erkkila. well-known and prominent farmer of Otto township, < )trer Tail county. Minnesota, was horn in Finland, in the year 1847, tnt' son of Michael and Elsie Erkkila, both of whom were natives of Finland. Michael Erkkila was a farmer of his native country, where he died in 1893. at the age of seventy-one years. His widow, Elsie, after the death of her husband, came to America and located in Otto township, where she lived until her death in 1908, aged eighty years. Michael and Elsie Erkkila were the parents of four children, Jacob, Matthew, Kate and Erica.

Jacob Erkkila received his education in the schools of Finland, after which he came to America, in the year 1871, and following a short residence in the state of Michigan, he came, in 1881, to Otter Tail county, Minnesota, and bought a farm of one hundred and sixty acres of land in section 22, Otto township, where he now lives engaged in general agricultural pursuits.

Tn 1881, Jacob Erkkila was married, while a resident of Michigan, to Lizzie Rusanen, who was born in Finland in 1857. To this marriage have been born the following children: Emanuel, Jacob (deceased), Ulivia, Leo ( deceased), Matthew (deceased), Annie, John, Albert. William (deceased). X'atha, Joseph, Minnie. Martha (deceased) and Peter.

Nels Edholm

Born in Sweden on August 10, 1850, Nels Edholm, a prosperous farmer of Inman township. Otter Tail county, Minnesota, is the son of Erick Erickson and Martha Edholm, both of whom were born in Sweden, where Mr. Edholm's father died in 1881. His mother had died previously in 1880 They had a family of nine children, of whom Anna, the second born, and Engle, the seventh, are deceased. The living children are, Nathaniel. Bertha, Nels,. Peter, Martha, Erick and Ingrid.

Nels Edholm was educated in the public schools of his native land and came to America, settling in Otter Tail county, in 1893. Shortly after coming to Otter Tail county. Mr. Edholm purchased eighty acres of land in section 11. of Inman township. Mr. Edholm's two sons, Erick and John, have added one hundred and twenty acres to the original farm so that it now consists of two hundred acres, all situated in section II. Mr. Edholm has cleared his farm and erected good buildings u]>on the land.

Many years ago, Xels Edholm was married in Sweden to Sophia Anderson, who was born in 1861 and who is the daughter of Thomas and Margaret Anderson, both of whom are deceased. Mrs. Edholm's father died in 1894 and her mother in 1910. Mr. and Mrs. Nels Edholm have been the parents of fourteen children, of whom three are deceased. Ingrid, the eldest, died many years ago. Othiala died on April 3, 1912, and Lillian died on April 4, 1912. The living children are Erick, John, Otto. Ingrid. Alma, Hilma, Clara, Evelyn, Elna, Arthur and Elvin.

Mr. and Mrs. Nels Edholm are members of the Swedish Lutheran church of Compton township. They have always taken a very active interest in religious affairs and are among the prominent farmers and citizens of Inman township.

Fredrick Dunker

Fredrick Dunker, successful farmer and well-known citizen of Otter Tail township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, was born in Hanover, Germany, on February 0, 1876, the son of Henry and Dorothy (Blume) Dunker, natives of Hanover. Germany. Henry Dunker was a brick-layer in his native country, an occupation which, together with farming, he followed for some years and then came to America, where he lived with his son for some time. Henry and Dorothy (Blume) Dunker were the parents of one child, Fredrick, the subject of this sketch. By a former marriage, Henry Dunker was the father of three children, Dick, Mary and Dorothy. The elder Dunker died on December 24. 1903.

Frederick Dunker was educated in the public schools of his native country, after which he came to America in 1890, and worked as a farm helper for ten years and then, in tooo, he secured two hundred and twenty acres of land in sections 33 and ;,4. of Otter Tail township, a place which Mr. I Junker has greatly improved and a farm, one hundred acres of which he has cleared of timber and has prepared for cultivation. Mr. Dunker now engages in general agricultural pursuits on his land in Otter Tail township.

On November co, [906, Fredrick Dunker was married to Catherine Luhning, the d^jghter of Henry Luhning and wife, well-known people of the community. 10 the marriage of Fredrick and Catherine Dunker have been born four children. Henry, Wilma, Olga and Arthur. Fredrick Dunker and his family are active and appreciated members of the German Lutheran church, of Otter Tail township.

Mr. Dunker is a man well known in the public life of Otter Tail township, he for many years having been actively engaged in the support of the progressist- measures and movements of the community. At the present time .Mr. Dunker is serving his township as assessor, an office which he has occupied for seven years, and he is also acting as the chairman of the township board.

Gilbert G. Moen

Gilbert G. Moen, a well-to-do farmer of Sverdrup township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, was born in Norway on June 23, 1855. Mr. Moen is a son of Gulbrand G. Moen and Rangdi Erickson (Skatebo) Moen, both of whom were born in Norway, and both of whom died in that country.

In 1883 Gilbert G. Moen came to America, and settled in Sverdrup township, Otter Tail county, where he subsequently purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land, and it is upon this farm that Mr. Moen now lives. He has erected all of the buildings which now stand on the farm, and which are now used, including the house in which the Moen family now live. Mr. Moen has also cleared the land of trees and stumps, and has put it under cultivation. Jt is a very fertile farm, and Mr. Moen raises crops equal to any raised in this part of the county.

In 1876, before coming to America, Mr. Moen was married to Berit Haldorson, who was born in Norway, June 10, 1854. Mrs. Moen's parents died in their native land. Gilbert G. Moen and wife are the parents of eight children, as follow : Gilbert, Haldor, Edwin, Martin. Olaf, Carl, May and Ida, all of whom are living. Gilbert and Haldor live in Underwood; Edwin, in Duluth; Martin lives on a farm in Sverdrup; the others live at home.

The Moen family are all members of the Unitarian church at Underwood, Minnesota. Mr. Moen is a stockholder in the Co-operative Creamery Company, and in the co-operative store at Underwood. He is one of the well-to-do farmers of Sverdrup township, and one of its most highly respected and substantial citizens.

Peter Under

Peter Under, a prosperous fanner of Nidaros township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, was born in Sweden, July 7, 1846, and is a son of Erick and Betsey Olson, both of whom were also natives of Sweden, where they spent their entire lives.

Peter Linder received his educational training in the public schools of his native country, and in 1867 emigrated to America, working first in Anoka county. Minnesota. Later he spent sixteen months in Rice county. Minnesota, working on a farm, after which he lived in Minneapolis for :i time. In 1 871 Mr. Linder came to Xidaros township. Otter Tail county. and took a homestead of one hundred and sixty acres in section 34, and here he has since lived. In 1893 he erected a magnificent barn, fifty by twentyfour feet in dimensions. Seven years later he built a substantial and comfortable residence, and in many other ways has improved his farm, always keeping his buildings and fences in good repair and well painted. Mr. Linder is an up-to-date and progressive farmer, and has been successful since coming to this county.

On October 4, 1872, about five years after coming to the United States, Peter Linder was married to Sarah Johnson, a native of Sweden, born in that country in 1844. Mrs. Linder came to Otter Tail county, in 1867, and five years later was married to Mr. Linder. To this union have been born eight children, of whom six are deceased, Alexander, Emma, Bessie, \da. Josephine and Bettsy. The living children are Charles and Oscar, both of whom arc farmers in North Dakota. The mother of these children died on May 17, 1902, and two years later, on June 21, 1904, Mr. Linder was married to Matilda Johnson, wdio had two children, a daughter and a son. The daughter, Mrs. Brunsell, is now living at Ashland. Wisconsin : the son. John. is staying at home.

John Hagluxd

Among the well-known farmers and stock raisers of Scambler township. Otter Tail county, Minnesota, is John Haglund, who was born in Sweden, on September 16, 1864, the son of Erick and Anna Haglund, natives of Sweden. Erick Haglund died in the year 1868. after which his widow. Anna, was married, secondly, to Hans Berglund. John and Anna Haglund were the parents of the following children, Nels, John, and August, twins; Abraham and Anna.

John Haglund was educated in the public schools of Sweden, after which he came to America, in the year 1893, and settled in Otter Tail county. where he bought sixty acres of land in Pelican township, on which he lived for a short time and then disposing of his land, Mr. Haglund purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in Mahnomen county. He disposed of his land in Mahnomen and bought one hundred and sixty acres of land in sections 13 and 1 j. Scambler township, a place which he improved with new buildings and equipment and a farm on which he now lives as a general farmer and stock raiser.

I11 1897, John Haglund was married in Frances Davis, who was horn in Rock Elm, Pierce county, Minnesota, in iSjc;. She i*- the daughter of Robert and Adella Davis, natives of Ohio and Wisconsin, respectively. To the marriage of John and Frances Haglund have been born the following

John Haglund has taken a prominent place in the business life of Scambler township and the vicinity; he is a stockholder in the Farmers' Elevator Company, of Pelican Rapids, as well as being a stockholder in the Farmers Co-operative Creamery Company, of Pelican Rapids, Minnesota.

Alva L. Shaw

Alva L. Shaw, fanner and prominent citizen of Otter Tail township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, was born in Mower county, Minnesota, on August 11. 1865. the son of Darious N. and Sylvia (Wood) Shaw, natives of New York state.

Darious X. Shaw came to the state of Minnesota, from his native state of Xew York, in 1852, and settled in Mower county, where he secured one hundred and sixty acres of land, on which he made his home for two years and then disposing- of his land, the elder Shaw moved to Otter Tail county, and purchased one hundred and two acres of land in section 24, Otter Tail township, a farm which he cultivated for some time and then traded his land for "Sandy Beach," making his home there for a time, after which he moved to the town of Otter Tail, where he now lives.

Alva L. Shaw received his education in the public schools of Otter Tail township, after which he became a farmer. He rented a farm for some time and then in 1900 purchased eighty acres of land, a place which Mr. Shaw has greatly improved and on which he now makes his home, as a general farmer.

On May 2.2, [895, Alva L. Shaw was married to May Taylor, and to this marriage were born four children, Marvin, Ruth, Eleanor and Flora. By a former marriage to Bessie Hemstreet, on July 11, 1891, Mr. Shaw is the father of one daughter, Bessie. Mr. Shaw's first wife died on Februar) -Vv 1804.

Emanuel M. Johnson

Emanuel M. Johnson, a native of Sweden, was born on February 21, [844, and was the son of John and Christena Johnson, both of whom lived and died in their native country.

John Johnson was a day laborer and for twenty-five years served as a soldier in the arm) of InS country. Me was an active member of the Swedish Lutheran church and took much interest in all church work. Mrs. Tohnson previous to her marriage to Mr. Johnson was the wife of Solomon Larson and to this union four children were horn; Solomon. N. N., Miestine and Sarah.

Emanuel M. Johnson, the only child of John and Christena Johnson, received his education in Sweden, having come to. .America at the age of twenty-five, in 1870. After landing in Xew York City he came direct to Chicago where he remained for three years working on the street cars, heing one of the first men to engage in that occupation in that city. Later he was employed by a railroad company where he remained for some time.

In tNt.i Mr. Johnson homesteaded eight} acres of land in Otter Tail county and worked for others for a time. Later he bought more land and now owns two hundred and eighty acres which he has improved and developed, all the buildings having been built by him. The house was built in 1895 and the present barn was erected to replace one that burned some time ago. Mr. Johnson practices genera! farming and stock raising, having some of the finest Shorthorn cattle and Poland China hogs in the county.

In 1878 Emanuel M. Johnson was married to Mary Anderson, a native if Sweden and the daughter of Mr. and Airs. P. A. Anderson, who had located in Minnesota. They are the parents of the following children: Theodore, Gottfred, Oscar, Olga and Lilly. Mrs. Johnson died on July 9. 1914. Olga is the wife of John Pearson and they have two children. Theodore, the eldest of the family, a young man of much force and ability, is still at home. Gottfred and Oscar are operating the home farm. Gottfred Johnson was married on September 14. 1015. to Marie E. Johnson, a daughter of John Johns! m. and a native of Sweden. Marie E. Johnson came to America in 101 i ami located in Fergus Falls.

John Lien

In the financial history of (titer fail county. Minnesota, particular mention is but the just right of the gentleman whose name introduces this sketch. Mr. Lien is one of the self-made men of this county, having won his way to achievements to which many aspire, but few reach, lie has set an example of industry and thrift that could well be followed to advantage by the rising generation.

John Lien, farmer. Battle Lake. Amor township, < (tter fail county, was burn 011 July 28, [864, in Faribault count}', Minnesota, and is a son of J. J. and Sigri (Nordskog) Lien. Ilis education was obtained at the public schools of the district, after which he took a normal course at Maukato. Minnesota, graduating it the end of three and one-half years. After completing his education. Mr. Lieu taught school lor five years in (liter fail county, and one year at Battle Fake, where he occupied the position of principal, and had entire charge of all the classes. After he took charge of the work, the school was rebuilt, and three teachers added to the educational staff. After his marriage, he located on a farm of eighty acres, which he had bought in the fall of [889, where he has since resided, and to which he has continued to add, -until he now owns a fine tract of five hundred and twenty-four acres of good agricultural land, all situated in Amor township. He has put extensive and valuable improvements on his place, including a substantial modern house and a new barn, erected in 1915.

The land at the time of purchase was mostly covered with timber, which Mr. Lien has cleared, and nut in good agricultural condition. Politically, he has long been a loyal Republican, and has been active in local politics for many years, having held the office of town clerk for twenty-six years, and a member of the school board for twenty-one years. Religiously, he belongs to the Swedish Lutheran church of Amor township, while his fraternal alliance is with the Modern Woodmen of America and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He is a director in the Sverdrup Insurance Company, with which he has been associated for the past nineteen years, and has held the office of president in the Otter Tail Co-operative Company for six years. He is president of the Telephone Compan) of Amor township. His particular interest on the farm is confined to the breeding and raising of Shorthorn cattle, of which he sells a great many each year.

J. J. Lien was born in Norway, and was united in marriage with Sigri Nordskog. He was educated in the old country, and came to America when about twenty-one years of age. landing at New York City, and moving direct to Iowa, where he was engaged as a day laborer at Spirit Lake, after which he squatted some land and did trapping and hunting until driven away by the Indians, after which he took up a homestead of one hundred and forty-three acres on the border of Lake Lura, near Delavan, Minnesota, where he spent the remainder of his life, his death occurring in June, 1889. Mis wife still lives on the home place, which is under the management of her sou, Thomas J. Lien. The children born to J. J. and Sigri ( Nordskog) Lien are as follow: John, Ole, Thomas J., Elias, Elizabeth (who died at the age of twenty-seven years), Peter, Alfred, Halvor. Eva, Caroline and Arnold. Of these children, \lfred and Halvor are in Canada: \rnold is teaching at Boulder, Colorado, in the State University. J. I Lien was a member of the Lutheran church, in which he was a leader, always taking an active part in church work.

Sweden, and came with her parents to America, locating in Amor township. Otter Tail county, Minnesota. Eleven children have been born to this union: Clarence T., Sarah, Mabel, Bert, Anton, Arne, Halvor, Marvin. Rhoda, Kenneth and Forest. Of this family of children, those married are: Sarah, who became the wife of Andrew Larson, and Mabel, who was married to Gilbert Murk and lives in Amor township.

Mr Lien occupies a position of prominence in Amor township, where he has trained his children to become honored and useful citizens and where he has many warm and admiring friends.

John Hanecam

A drive through the outskirts of Elizabeth, Minnesota, will take one past the prosperous and attractive looking farm of Mr. Hanecam, the gentleman whose name introduces this sketch, and whose name is well and prominently known in the agricultural district in which he resides. Nothing is more convincing of the prosperity of a farmer than the condition in which be keeps bis building and fences, and in this direction .Mr. Hanecam takes particular pride.

John Hanecam, fanner. Elizabeth township. Otter Tail county, was horn on January 15. 1864, in Wisconsin, and is a son of Peter and Alice ( Moe) Hanecam. He received his education at the public schools and has always followed farming, being the present manager of his father's farm, consisting of one hundred and sixtv acres. Mr. Hanecam belongs to the Lutheran church.

Peter Hanecam. lather of the subject of this sketch, was born on November 26, iNjj. in Norway. His wife was Alice Moe. daughter of bars Moe. She was born in Norway, and came with her parents to America, settling on a farm in Minnesota. Mr. Hanecam has followed farming nearly all his life. On his arrival in Minnesota, Mr. Hanecam selected Rochester for bis home, in 1864, where be followed his trade of stone-mason until iNji. Both Mr. Hanecam and his wife are still living, and he is doubtless the oldest man in Elizabeth township, Otter Tail county. Their children were as follow: John. Hannah, Bertha, Louis (deceased), and Lena (deceased!.- Mr. Hanecam's farm is located in Elizabeth and Oscar townships, ainl consists of two hundred and forty acres. Politically, he has always given bis support to the Democratic party, while his religious membership is with the Lutheran church. During his active agricultural pursuits, Mr. Hanecam gave considerable "I his time and attention to stock raising, in which direction he was also very successful.

marriage are Louise and Theoline. Louise became the wife of Marvin Roghelt and is now living on the old homestead, and Theoline is a school teacher.

Air. Hanecam is une of the substantial agriculturists of Otter Tail county, where he has built up a comfortable fortune for his declining years. Both he and his wife have won and retain the friendship of many warm friends in the community in which they reside.

Edward A. Peck, Jr

Edward A. Peck, Jr., is among those citizens who are entitled to a place of respect in the esteem of their fellowmen and whose efforts for the betterment of the community in which they live commend them. Mis birth occurred on May iy, 1880, on his father's homestead, located in section 24, Scambler township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota. He is the son of Edward A. and Sarah (Sischo) Peck.

Edward A. Peck, Sr.. was born in Jefferson county. New York, and at the age of eight years, owing to the death of his mother, was placed in the care of A. P. Clark, with whom he made his home until the age of twentyone years. At that time he was given one dollar and his freedom and, thus equipped, he became the arbiter of his own destiny. He soon married and immediately after became an employee of a cheese factory, in which service he remained for a period of two years, removing to Iowa in 1876. During their three years' sojourn in that state the great plague of grasshoppers so destroyed their crops that they were forced to seek habitation elsewhere, and in a covered wagon, drawn by oxen, the)- started northward, stopping for one month in Alexandria and then on to Becker county, Minnesota. Edward \. Peck; Sr., became interested in the draying business and remained in that line for a period of two years, also engaging in the teaming business, which was a flourishing trade in those days. He finally removed to Otter Tail county, Minnesota, where he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land, under the homestead law, which was located in section 24, Scambler township, and which was partly cleared. The house was of logs but was soon remodeled into a very comfortable residence and the family remained in this home for two years. 01' until the place was entirely cleared prepara-

Peck accepted a position in who owned large farming inter for sixteen o msecutn e years. \fter the death of Mr. (anlield, Edward A. Peck, Sr.. became an employee of the younger Mr. Canfield and remained in his service for one year. At the beginning of this seventeen years service Sarah (Sischo) Peck remained on the homestead with the children, of whom there were six, but her death occurred and the problem of caring for the family was solved by two of the daughters removing to Lake Park, where they were under the direct supervision of the father.

The Otter Tail county property was left in charge of the sons, whose efforts were so productive of results that the farm was gradually increased until it now contains six hundred and forty acres. The buildings are modern and .among the best in the county. A specialty is made of breeding and raising pure strain Durham cattle, of which a herd of twenty head arckept. An herd of thirty head of the same stock is kept, which are not as perfect in strain as are the others.

In 1898 Edward A. Peck, became interested in the livery business, which he continued for three years, in Lake Park. He was also engaged in the hardware business for two years. A residence was built in Lake Lark and both Edward A. Peck, Sr., and his second wife. Hattie (Randolph) Peck, made their home in this place. Hattie ( Randolph) Peck is a native of Kingston, Canada.

Both Edward A. Peck, Sr.. and his first wife were members of the Presbyterian church but he now- attends the Methodist Episcopal church, lie is a member of the Republican party. The names of the children born to his first union follow : Lilly, who became the wife of Stewart McCoy, and died while a resident of Larimore, North Dakota; Nellie, who became the wife of Jay Rider, and now lives at Portland, Oregon; Harry J., deceased, and who formerly had charge of the home place in Scambler township, where his death occurred; Mattie married George Tucker, and they make their home in Watson, Canada; Florence married Adolph Norby, and they live in Moorhead, Minnesota, and Edward A., Jr.

Edward A. Peck, Jr., received his education in the schools of Lake Park, graduating from the high school in that town. However, he was reared until the age of fifteen \ ears on the place in Otter Tail county. Minnesota, at which lime he assumed full charge of the home farm because of his brother. Harry I., wishing to begin independent operations for himself. Edward V Peck, Jr., operated the farm for three summers, attending school in Pake Park in the winter. At the age of eighteen years he assumed charm' of his father's hardware interests, which he continued for two years, renting the farm in the meantime. This arrangement was very unsatisfactory and the store was sold, lie then became an employee on a farm in Becker county, Minnesota, on which he worked for one year, returning to the home place in [Q03, which he has continued to cultivate ever since. In addition 1" the breeding and raising of high grade stock, a large amount of grain is also grown. In [915 the production of grain, raised on two hundred and thirty acres of this place, was three thousand six hundred bushels of oats, two thousand six hundred bushels of wheat, seven hundred bushels of rye and two thousand bushels of barley.

On January II, 1905, Edward A. Peck, Jr., was united in marriage to Anna Lillie Schannach, and to their union liave been burn three children, whose names follow: William Donald. Edward Aaron and Wilfrid Ira. Lillian Schannach is the daughter of Ira Schannach. an harness-maker, who has resided in Becker county, Minnesota, for forty years. She is a native of that county. Politically, Edward A. Peck, Jr., is a Republican. Anna Lillie (Schannach) Peck is a member of the Catholic church and is an active worker in that denomination.

Haagen Haagenson

Haagen Haagenson is a native of Norway and was born in that country on September 8. 1850. He is the son of Haagen and Kari (Anderson) Haagenson, also natives of Norway. The father was a blacksmith and followed that vocation until his death, after which his wife emigrated to America and marrried Magna Samson. Haagen Haagenson received his education in the schools of his native land and emigrated to America in 1877, following which he located in Dakota county, Minnesota, remaining there for three years. In 1880 he removed to Otter Tail county. Minnesota, and purchased forty acres of land, to which he has since added until he now owns five hundred acres. This farm is devoted to general agriculture and stock raising and is well improved. In 1015 a new barn was erected, which adds much to the beauty of the place. Haagen Haagenson was united in marriage to Matilda Anderson, and they are the parents of eight children, whose names follow: Henry, Ufred, Melvin, Alma. Mabel, Loyd, Minnie and Helmer. Haagen Haagenson and his wife are members of the \'< irwegian Lutheran church.

Magna Samson, stepfather of Haagen Haagenson, was born on November 3, 1838, in Bergen, Norway, and is the son of Peter and Betsey 1 Sater) Samson, both natives of Norwaj'. Peter Samson was a fanner of Norwayvoss, and emigrated to America in [841, locating in LaSalle county. Illinois. He remained in that place for five years and then removed to Dane county, Wisconsin, near the town of Madison (now the stale capital), where he lived until 1854. He then removed to Dakota county, Minnesota, where he remained for ten year-, and was one of the pioneers of thai section, fie was the father of two sons, Samuel, who died at sea. and Magna.

enlisted in Company B, of the Fourteenth Missouri Sharpshooters, and served in the battles of Mt. Zion Church, Missouri; the taking of Ft. Henry, Tennessee; Ft. Donelson, and was at the famous battle of Shiloh, April 6 and 7. [862; at Corinth, Mississippi, in the spring of and again in the fall iif [862, and at the battles of Buzzard Roost, Resaca and Kenesaw Mountain, lie was honorably discharged in [863, but re-enlisted and served until the end of the war. taking part in the Atlanta campaign and was witli Sherman on the march to the sea. Mr. Samson accompanied his regiment through Xorth and South Carolina and Virginia in 1865, and was present at the Grand Review, at Washington, ] ). C. He was wounded four times, on two occasions being sent to a hospital in Georgia. For his faithful service and gallant conduct he receives a pension from the United States government of thirty dollars a month. After the war Mr. Samson continued to lead a strenuous life - exploring, hunting, trapping, fishing, locating sel tiers and surveying - from the effects of which he is somewhat crippled.

Magna Samson became surveyor of Dakota county. Minnesota, serving two term- of two years each. In 1880 he removed to Leaf Mountain township. Otter Tail county, where he homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres of land on which he now lives. His second wife was Mrs. Kari (Anderson) Haagenson, and to them have been born these children: Betsey, wife of \xel Fieldset; Carrie, wife of Iven Tacobson, and Anna, wife of Morton facobson. Mr. Samson i- a member of the Norwegian Lutheran church and is a Republican. He has served as township clerk, chairman of the township board and postmaster. He was appointed justice of the peace and served in that capacity for many years. He is a loyal member of the Grand Army of the Republic and one of the pioneers of Otter Tail county.

Having been born and educated in Skane, Sweden. Mr. Johnson, like many others of his native country, has combined the thrifty habits of his ancestors with the modern progressiveness of America, making a combination difficult to beat, viewing it from a standpoint of financial success.

Ole Johnson, farmer. Eagle Bend, Eastern township, Otter Tail county, was born October jo. t86o, in Skane. Sweden, and is a son of Johan and Mattha (Nelson) Person. Ills education was obtained in the public schools of Sweden, from which country he came to America in 1887, locating at once in Eastern township. Otter Tail county, where he bought his present farm in [8qi, consisting of one hundred and sixty acres in section 25, all of which was in timber and had to In- grubbed. He has put all the improvements on his place, and now has some good buildings. Mr. Johnson divides his time and attention between general farming and stock raising, and keeps a large number of dairy cows. Religiously, he is a member of the Swedish Lutheran church, of which he has served as deacon and officiated as secretary for the past three or four years.

Johan Person, father of Ole Johnson, was born in Sweden, where he was a laborer and where lie spent his entire life. His wife was Mattha Xelson. This marriage was blest with three children, Ole, Andrew and Nels.

Ole Johnson was united in marriage in 1885 with Ingar Nelson, burn in Skane, Sweden, and by whom he has had nine children, two being dead. The living children are John. Martha. Anna, Esther, Ernest, Arvid and Oliva. John Johnson was united in marriage. December 31, [912, with Christiana Skyburg. by whom he has had one child, Leona V. Johnson. John Johnson received his early education al the public schools of Eastern township, and later attended the Northeastern College at Eergus Falls, Minnesota. In 1907 he established the Round House at Duluth, and in 1900, he engaged as a fireman at Two Harbors, where he remained until the fall of IQ12. He now owns bis own farm of eighty acres in Eastern township, in section _'4. near his father's place, where he follows general farming and stock raising.

Ole Johnson has reared his children along the lines of usefulness, and lias always impressed upon them the importance of leading lives that would result in holding positions of the highest respect in their community. Both he and his wife enjoy the friendship of a large number of warm friends.

Carl Berg

Born in Norway, February 10, 18^0. Carl Berg, who, with his brother. Martin, owns two hundred and forty acres of land in Everts township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, and who with his mother, owns eighty acres of land in Everts township, is a well-known farmer and stockman.

Mr. Berg is a son of Anton ( '. and Anne ( Glende) Berg, both of whom were natives of Norway, the former of whom was born in [839, and the latter in 1845. They were married in Norway, and in the spring of 1880 settled in Otter Tail county, Minnesota, purchasing one hundred and sixty acres of land, also homesteading seventy-three acres. Mr. Berg's father died on the old homestead farm in 181)7. His mother, who is a devout member of the Lutheran church, is still living. Carl Berg is the second child in a family of ten children. The others, in the order of their birth, are as follow: Annete, Martin. Ole W., Anna. Inga, Emma, Sophia. Alfred and Karen, all of whom are living with the exception of the eldest born.